Canyon hardtail 29ers

Having a need for a new bike, my attention has turned to Canyon's range of 29ers - but reviews seem thin on the ground.

Anyone riding either an alu or CF hardtail Canyon 29er? How's the handling - does it prefer to plough through stuff or is it a bit more flickable and playful? Is the CF worth the extra 500 notes above the alu frame?

My riding is XC and trail stuff, no big stuff so I reckon no need for a FS rig.

You wont get much response as the first of the 29ers only came out in Dec 12. I have a Yellow Stone AL 6.9 29 er I love it, well worth the money (Rubbish Brakes though) Handling ..... I cant say I have not ridden any other 29ers. I was impressed with the weight and handling considering the size (XL) though

looked at the slx CF xtr version for a while, but the 6 month waiting list put me off. I needa a bike this month, not by August. Even the top end one isn't available to May.

Dragons den.............. i'm out!!!

Can i also say, the price has risen by about 8% in past month, so for 3.3k, you can get a great carbon frame (lighter than the canyon), a RS xx, a lightweight wheelset and xt/xtr component mix for same money

I am at the opposite end of the size scale to bigpole - I have a small Yellowstone AL6.9 on order and according to my e mail it is on it's way. I ordered it on January 9th with a CW9 (end of Feb) delivery.

I had an Inbred 29er before so I'll post a review when I have had the chance to go out on it a few times.

The price has increased by 50 pounds since I ordered, don't forget to factor in shipping & bike box.

The wait for the CF slx is a biggy for me too. I was thinking the 8.9 slx but its a long wait. My budget doesnt stretch past 2k so the 8.9 slx at 1.7k fitted well. Any other recommendations for a CF hardtail 29er that i wont have to wait that long for? And any other canyon alu 29er riders out there?

I bought an AL7.9 last summer and have been really pleased with it. However, I've pretty much changed everything beyond the wheels, frame and fork. I've got mine to about 23lbs as a result, so it's pretty nimble. I'm running 2x10 XTR with hope race brakes. I've also added Easton finishing kit. One thing I would say is that it felt short out of the box despite reading some reviews suggesting they size up quite long in the TT (I'm 6'1 and on a large - 19). I ditched the inline seatpost and 90mm stem for a layback post and 100mm stem and it feels much better to me, but different strokes.. Even in it's original spec, even if you just treat it as a rolling chasis to upgrade, it's pretty much untouchable in terms of value for money. I also considered the Rose Mr Ride's but it's not quite as good VFM..

I've got a grand canyon AL 7.9 29er if that's the type of thing you are looking at?

Had it since October, its supposed to be the winter bike and come summer the plan is for it to be the local XC bike (no big hills near me so woodsy singletrack and Swinley is the usual local riding). Can't say i have seen the carbon version in person, so i cant comment on the difference and whether its worth the price. It does look like the geometry is the same / very similar on the alu and carbon bikes.

I don't think i have had it long enough to comment on its full potential and this is my first 29er, as well as coming from generally less XC-focussed bikes. In short, i am still getting used to it but i wouldn't describe the ride as "ploughing through things", and "flickable" doesnt jump to mind either...! "Effective" is the word i would probably use just now, mates say it is noticeably quick to follow (compared to my other bikes). Honestly i dont think i have completely clicked with it just yet for more technical trails but i am hoping that I will once the mud tyres come off and the trails improve. No issues dealing with Canyon or the bike so far and it was great value when i got it, shame if the exchange rate has made them pricier.

Thanks for the feedback guys - I'm leaning towards the 8.9 alu frame for 1300 notes - I reckon i'm in for a medium (5'10).

Encouraged by the 'nimble' description (and effective/quick to follow) - I'm mostly singletrack/woodsy/XC riding. Glad to hear Owen's comment about it shifting from being a winter bike to summer local XC bike, sounds like it may well be just the thing.

hi,
been reading this and other Canyon threads.I'm looking at the Grand canyon AL 29. Spec looks too good to be true for the money. I've seen the "customer service" thread also, which really doesn't bother me.
I can't seem to find a geometry page for this or any of the other hardtail 29ers.My first choice of 29er was the Orange clockwork being a 2007 Five owner. but for 850 quid the spec is quite poor to be very honest. bike is going to be purchased through C2W so the 1k limit doesn't allow me to buy an S model Clockwork.
head says Canyon
heart says stick with Orange, and upgrade.

I've just taken delivery of Grand Canyon AL SLX 7.9...I'm pleased with the spec/price of it compared with buying from a shop. One of the recent bike mags reviewed with Orange CW-29er and rated it poorly for spec of kit. This would immediately put me off buying one.

I've just taken delivery of Grand Canyon AL SLX 7.9...I'm pleased with the spec/price of it compared with buying from a shop. One of the recent bike mags reviewed with Orange CW-29er and rated it poorly for spec of kit. This would immediately put me off buying one.

Ive got the Grand Canyon 6.9 Al, and its awesome. Really can't praise it enough, a few blasts round Cannock and all good so took it to CYB and just as good. Over rocks, fast swoopy bits, baby jumps and shockingly no problems on switchbacks was prepared for some issues at Cannock but found it easier to get round.